New U.S. Supreme Court decision: Miranda Rights

[KnitShoni]

Isn't that redundant then I was under the impression they had to stop questioning you when you ask for a lawyer?

I thought so, too. I didn't think the right to remain silent meant they couldn't question you, just that you didn't have to answer.

[DrFaroohk]

On the subject of the lawyer - I've heard before that you only get a lawyer if you say clearly "I want a lawyer." If you say "I think I want a lawyer" or "If you're gonna charge me with a crime, I want a lawyer", or "I should probably get a lawyer", or anything else like that, they don't have to give you one. Is that true?

[jackfaire]

On the subject of the lawyer - I've heard before that you only get a lawyer if you say clearly "I want a lawyer." If you say "I think I want a lawyer" or "If you're gonna charge me with a crime, I want a lawyer", or "I should probably get a lawyer", or anything else like that, they don't have to give you one. Is that true?

I don't know but I would think that would be true the same way you don't ring up a Big Mac for someone who says, "I think I want a Big Mac" until they say that is what they actually want.

Like anything you should clearly state your intentions anything else is just thinking out loud.

[Tanasi]

As in the Ron White joke everyone has the right to remain silent, however most do not have that ability. You can invoke you right to remain silent by keeping your yap shut. If you want a lawyer say so. The law might continue to talk at you but it's your duty to keep your mouth shut and it's their job to get you to talk. Most crimnals confess out of sheer stupidity.